DNA News Agency

Diplomatic News Agency

Qatar signs defence pact with Italy

DOHA, AUG 04 (DNA) – Italy has signed a 5bn-euro ($5.9bn) agreement with Qatar’s naval forces that includes the sale of seven naval units, according to a joint announcement by the foreign ministers of Qatar and Italy.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar’s foreign minister, also announced the signing of two other bilateral agreements that will increase political consultations and joint economic investments between the two countries.

During his one-day visit to Doha, Angelino Alfano, Italy’s foreign minister, stressed his country’s excellent political and economic ties with Qatar and expressed his support for Qatar’s efforts to combat terrorism.

Speaking about the current crisis between Qatar and a Saudi-led bloc – Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt and Bahrain – Alfano said Italy encourages all parties to use wisdom and engage in dialogue and moderation to end the crisis.

“I would like to point out to our excellent ties with Qatar and that our goal is to support Qatar’s plans in the international arena,” he said.

The four Arab countries severed relations with Qatar on June 5, accusing it of supporting “terrorism”. Qatar has denied the allegation.=DNA